Quick Facts
Athlete Introduction
Full Name
Richard John Whitehead MBE
Country/Nationality
British
Short Bio
48 year old Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, professional athlete, marathon runner and a passionate diversity and inclusion champion.
Having been born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard developed a passion for sport at an early age, with his parents encouraging him to participate in sports and teaching him how to live a life without limits…a philosophy which has defined his life and those around him.
Athlete’s Stats
Discipline/Category
Short/Long Distance Running
Personal Bests
12:13 – 100 Metres
23:01 – 200 Metres
49:85 – 400 Metres
28:03 – 5 Miles
56:35 – 10 Miles
1:14:59 – Half Marathon
2:41:36 – Full Marathon
Career Highlights
Highlights
Memorable moments including completing my first marathon in New York in 2004, becoming the first amputee to break the 3 hour mark for a marathon in Rome in 2008, and achieving a World Record in Chicago in October 2024 for completing the marathon in 2:41:36. I’m also proud to have represented my country a number of times in the Paralympics, including 2006 Winter Paralympic Games in 2006 in Turin, in sledge hockey, winning a gold medal in T42 200m at London 2012, retaining my gold medal at the Paralympics in Rio in 2016, also winning silver in T42 100m. And I also achieved silver in T61 200m at the postponed 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo. I have also achieved four World Championship titles in 200m.
Awards
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013 New Year’s Honours List
Inducted into the England Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024
Training and Mindset
Training
Ever since the start of my career, I have always worked incredibly hard to achieve my goals and aspirations, after my parents encouraged me to participate in sports and taught me how to live a life without limits…something which has defined me and everything I do. I train hard at my gym at home and running on the streets in my local town and also manage my nutrition and hydration incredibly carefully to ensure my body is fuelled for every challenge ahead.
Coaches/Teams
Liz Yelling
Motivation (quotes/thoughts/mindset)
Anything is Possible! Believe Achieve!
Personal Touch
Hobbies/Interests
I of course love spending time with my family and friends at home, when I’m not training or away at different running events. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community and the power this has, to empower people regardless of their age or ability, to have greater belief in themselves, to challenge themselves and to live a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Inspirations
There are so many people who have inspired me throughout my career, but I would have to say Terry Fox, who was a Canadian athlete and had one of his legs amputated due to cancer. After this, he embarked on an epic cross Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research, and as a young person with a double amputation, he was one of the first people to inspire me to start running and become an athlete.
Questions
About Their Running Journey
When and how did you start running?
In 2004 I dreamt of running a marathon and signed up for the New York Marathon, having never ran a mile. I was involved in lots of different sports from an early age, including swimming and gymnastics, and had always been passionate about sports, and I had always wanted to run, but the equipment and technology wasn’t available.
What inspired you to become a runner?
As well as Terry Fox, who was one of the first people who inspired me to start running, I would say my good friend Simon who helped me get into running with his support and guidance. He died from an aggressive type of bone cancer in 2004, and it was this which really spurred me on to train and complete my first marathon in New York. I really feel that Simon shines a light over me as a person and athlete and always holds me accountable for everything I do. I think he really is my guardian angel who empowers me, and he has been for over 20 years.
What challenges did you face when you started running?
When I first signed up for the New York Marathon and started training, I didn’t have any prosthetic running legs and was running on my knees using sports cups. This was extremely gruelling and painful, especially when training for and running a large number of miles. Thankfully only 13 days before the New York Marathon, Ossur heard about my story and fitted me with my first set of blades and I successfully completed my first marathon. They have been with me throughout my journey since and remain one of my valued sponsors.
Training and Preparation
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big race?
26.2 miles is an emotional rollercoaster! You start with maybe apprehension and nerves, for me it’s excitement. I’m excited to run a marathon so I have to really lock into pace quickly and understand the elements and environment can change, which means I have to be dynamic and alter my strategy along the way. I try my best to prepare as much as I can before each marathon, but it doesn’t always go to plan, but I train as hard as I can to hopefully get to the start line and run my best race, and achieve the result I want, which might not be the time, it might be the feelings and emotions I want from that race.
What role does nutrition play in your training?
Nutrition is so important when you’re a professional athlete and marathon runner. It’s essential to have the right nutrition and hydration, not only in preparation for race days, but also throughout your training.
What’s your go-to pre-race meal?
My pre go to race meal would definitely have to be pasta, and lots of it! And of course, well balanced with protein too.
Personal Records and Achievements
What’s your current personal best (PB) for your favourite distance?
In April 2024 at the London Marathon, I achieved the Marathon World Record for athletes with bilateral knee amputations, and after training and working hard throughout the rest of the year, at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, I beat my own world record, completing it in 2:41:36. This was my 80th marathon and was an incredible achievement, 20 years on from competing in my very first marathon.
Are you working toward a specific running goal right now?
I’m currently in the middle of an epic challenge of completing 20 marathons around the world in 2025, to bring me to 100 marathons overall. Every one of the marathons I will take part in around the world this year is special and has a different connection and meaning for me. This number means a great deal to me, as it’s now 20 years since I first ran my first marathon in New York, and by the end of the year I will have taken part in 100 marathons in total. But behind the numbers, is an incredibly important goal of connecting with the communities and meeting new people in all of the places I visit, as well as raising awareness of what it means to be truly inclusive and the difference this makes.
Which race or event has been the most challenging for you?
A very challenge race was Comrades, which is a gruelling 56 mile race in incredibly hot conditions, and you have to have the ability to be able to push through some of challenges you encounter, when the chips are down and your body can’t move, you really have to dig deep and it’s about putting one foot in front of another. It’s not about doing it as fast as you can, it’s about doing it consistently, and I think that’s the golden nugget of success, consistency.
Mindset and Motivation
How do you stay motivated during long runs or difficult races?
I pride myself on having a positive attitude and energy in everything I do, but I have also had a number of challenges in my life…and my 20 marathons in one year will certainly be another one! I focus not on the challenge, but what I know I’m capable of achieving and the incredible support which I receive. I know the power of seeing someone like me achieve not just one, but 100 marathons can have, and this motivates me, knowing the difference I can make to someone. I thrive on seeing different cultures at different running events, meeting so many different people and connecting with the communities. And knowing the impact I can have, raising awareness of disabilities, and what true inclusion means and the difference this can make, is a huge motivator for me.
Have you ever had to overcome a significant setback? How did you handle it?
I think my biggest setback was after the pride of representing my country in the Paralympic games in 2006, when the news of London 2012 broke I was keen to compete again on home soil. To my great disappointment I was told by the IPC that my disability was not eligible to compete, and they refused to allow me to race in the marathon category. Undeterred I set about retraining and set my sights on competing in the T42 200m category as part of the ParalympicsGB team. As I crossed the line winning gold in my home country, I looked to the sky and dedicated this to my good friend Simon who had always supported and believed in me. I think this really taught me to believe in myself and with the right support, dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
What advice would you give to runners struggling with motivation?
When you cross the line at the start of a race, it’s just the start of a fantastic experience wherever you’re running and a new journey for yourself. It could be your first or hundredth marathon or race, but every one is different and I want everyone to finish with a smile on their face, warmth in their heart, and also new memories, as this is what inspires you and other people to be better.
Community and Impact
What’s your favourite charity or cause that you run for?
I set The Richard Whitehead Foundation up in 2021 and am now the president. Our mission for the charity is to enable the ambitions of people living with disabilities, through the power of sport and physical activities, all across the UK.
We know the barriers that people who live with disabilities face each and every day and when trying to access sport, and we want to remove these barriers and improve lives through the power of physical activity. The individual is always at the centre of the Foundation’s work, and we provide life changing support, mentoring, advice, equipment and opportunities. I’m incredibly proud of the transformative work we do and the difference we make to the people the charity supports, and work with brilliant supporters who help to enable this to happen.
How has social media impacted your connection to the running world?
It’s fantastic to be able to connect with runners and the community around the world through social media. I think running, marathon events and sport as a whole is a fantastic unifier and leveller, whether that’s taking part, volunteering or spectating. Being able to share my journey with the community is so important, I want people to follow my journey and be inspired by me, as well as be inspired by others. This has become even more important this year, as I travel around the world taking part in 20 marathons.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the running world?
As a professional athlete and marathon runner, I’m keen to use my profile to work with governing bodies and young people to ensure that there are greater opportunities for everybody to be involved in sport, physical activity and wellness activities, ensuring positively and inclusion throughout. I want everybody to feel empowered to achieve their potential and goals, and know that anything is possible.
Message
I’m incredibly proud to be part of Runners Vault and be featured on this platform, and I truly believe in their ethos that running is more than just a sport, it is a way to connect with the community, be inspired and be better. Regardless of age, ability or disability, I want everybody to have access to sport, movement and activity as I know the power of the physical and mental health benefits. I see my disability as a resource and not a hindrance, and hope to show people and help them to believe that anything is possible, and that everyone can make a difference
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